Grace.

    The grace of God is truly liberating. We are undeserving of His grace, cannot earn His grace, and that is what makes grace, grace. It is by God's grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:5,8). While in our sinful state, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). There is nothing we can do to stand justified before God. It is because of God's love for us that He offers us salvation.
     There is another side of grace that is often overlooked. Salvation deals with freedom from sin as well as pardon. God offers us grace to overcome sin and to live a life that glorifies Him. Consider Paul's answer to those who would claim grace was a license to continue in a life of sin (Romans 6:1-2) and again (Romans 6:15). His answer is an emphatic no! Grace is not an excuse or license for sin!
     Consider Ephesians 2:8-9. Salvation is the gift of God received by faith. Now read Ephesians 2:10. We have been created to walk in good works. Apart from God's grace we would still be dead in sin!
     Finally we have the words of Paul to Titus. God's grace has appeared to all bringing salvation, but it also instructs us deny a sinful life and instead to live a life pleasing to God ( Titus 2:11-12).
     Grace is liberating! It liberates us from the bondage of guilt and struggle, but it also liberates us from the power of sin and sets us free to live the life that god has called us to.